Saxo Bank vs FP Markets 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at Saxo Bank if you value more instruments (65,000 vs 10,000). FP Markets plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $2000), no inactivity fee.
The two menus, side by side
| Saxo Bank | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | DFSA DF000029 | ASIC 286354 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $2000 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.4 pips | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 65,000+ | 10,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $100/mo after 6mo | None |
| Founded | 1992 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark | Sydney, Australia |
The kitchen inspection: Saxo Bank vs FP Markets
Saxo Bank is regulated by DFSA under licence DF000029 (Saxo Bank A/S (DIFC)). The DFSA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 286354 (First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Ingredient costs and the bill
Saxo Bank's EUR/USD spread is 0.4 pips. FP Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). FP Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
Saxo Bank charges an inactivity fee of $100/month after 6 months without trading. FP Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both Saxo Bank and FP Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000. FP Markets requires $100. FP Markets has the lower barrier to entry.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
FP Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of $100. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both Saxo Bank and FP Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FP Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Saxo Bank offers more instruments (65,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: Saxo Bank vs FP Markets
Book a table at Saxo Bank if what you are after is more instruments (65,000 vs 10,000). Its DFSA licence (DF000029) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with FP Markets if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $2000), no inactivity fee. Its ASIC licence (286354) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
Saxo Bank vs FP Markets: which is better?
Saxo Bank is better for more instruments (65,000 vs 10,000). FP Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $2000), no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is Saxo Bank or FP Markets safer?
Both Saxo Bank (DFSA DF000029) and FP Markets (ASIC 286354) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Saxo Bank and FP Markets?
Saxo Bank minimum deposit: $2000. FP Markets minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do Saxo Bank and FP Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.